Academics

St. Mary's was founded in 1953 as a church-affiliated school with a strong academic environment. Emphasis was placed on attracting top-level faculty members who combined their teaching skills with a desire to offer individualized attention to each student. Today the school is designed for 450 children, with a Middle School (grades 6-8), Intermediate Division (grades 3-5), and a Primary Division (PK-2). The PK-8 program provides continuity throughout the important primary years, yet allows eighth graders to enjoy leadership positions prior to starting high school.

Advanced classes are offered to those students who have strengths in particular subject areas. All students are offered extra attention to master subjects they find difficult. The average class size is 22 students.

St. Mary's is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for eventual college success. The English program starts with phonics in kindergarten and culminates with instruction in advanced composition and a study of novels, plays and poetry in the eighth grade. The math program starts by developing basic arithmetic skills, and continues through Honors Algebra and Honors Geometry. The study of history, geography, and social studies begins early and concludes with American History, with special emphasis on our freedom documents. Experimentation in our modern science labs encourages natural enthusiasm for the subject from the earliest grades, preparing students for the study of chemistry, physics, and biology in the eighth grade. All students take Spanish in grades Pre-K through five. Latin is offered in grade six, and Spanish or Latin is taken in grades seven and eight.

Academic offerings are enhanced by a full complement of enrichment courses, including art, music, technology, physical education, and religion.